Common Crochet Mistakes and Beginner Frustrations

Every beginner crocheter needs to watch this video! I hope it's helpful for you and gives you the motivation to push past the frustration and figure out crochet!

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[CoolCraftyCreations]

6 years ago after being laid off a 16 year stable (or so I thought) job, I went to Michael’s purchased some yarn and hooks and attempted to learn. Fast forward to 2018, I’m starting my own crochet business! I’ve made tons of blankets, throws, hats and scarves, shawls, slippers, crocodile stitches on summer sandals, my next big venture is a cardigan for my eldest sister. How did I learn? Looking at hundreds of YouTube videos of tons of beautiful crochet items, writing down tons of patterns and asking tons of questions. Now, this is my number one pass time when I’m off work.

[marigeobrien]

Two things about tension.

1. The reason crocheters hold the yarn looped around their fingers in the hand not holding the hook is to CONTROL TENSION.

HOWEVER, getting used to that is difficult and many think they can skip it. DON'T! You'll never be able to control the tension until you master holding the yarn. Even many tutorials do not mention the REASON holding the yarn like this important. But it's to control the tension. If you've ever had to thread a sewing machine, you know that the thread goes through a whole series of different loops and circles. That's to control the tension. The same principle is used with crochet.

I have seen yarn held several ways. I was taught to hold it by looping it under and around my left pinky (I'm right-handed), then across my palm and behind my left index finger and toward the work. It's not hard to do once you're used to it and gives you control over the tension. THERE ARE TUTORIALS THAT DEMONSTRATE THIS AND OTHER METHODS HERE, ON YOUTUBE.

2. A quick way to MASTER TENSION is to set this task for yourself: For 2 weeks (14 days), make 5, 100-count chains. That's all. Every day, make 5 chains of 100. It sounds boring and tedious and it is. And the first few days will feel like torture. Your hands will cramp and it will feel so awkward and your stitches will seem hopeless.

The POINT of this exercise is to develop muscle memory. Slowly, over those two weeks, you will adapt. You will get used to setting up the yarn on your hand, making your knot, then making your chain. By the end of the two weeks, it will feel almost natural. BTW, the chains don't have to be exactly 100, but a long chain. And you can take them out and do them over, if you like. It's an exercise.

The point is that, in just 2 weeks you'll have all tension issues solved and you can move on to actually crocheting.

This, BTW, is what my mother made me do when I first learned to crochet, 40 years ago. I hated it but I did it because I wanted to learn. And I was so glad at the end of the two weeks.

When I started my hands cramped, the chains were all over the place and I hated it. But I worked at it and by the end of just 2 short weeks I could make those chains without a second thought and the tension was completely consistent. So, it was worth it. I never had tension issues again.

[jojobren]

Has anyone ever told you that you should be a motivational speaker?  I am a perfectionist and have OCD and you just gave me the kick in the butt I needed. 

[leadfoot]

Nice video! I've been crocheting for 30 years, when I first started I had a lot of trouble making the starting chain too tight. I found by going up to the next size hook for the chain solved my problem. Hope this helps someone.

[esorruzam]

Just discovered Melanie’s tutorials. So sad that she is no longer there for her loved ones and her youtube watchers. An amazing woman, beautiful, talented, and such a wonderful & encouraging teacher. 💙

[caroldegan]

I am 72.. l made an Afghan 40 yrs ago & never crochet again... now iam a beginner again.. and scared to try.. your video has inspired me to try with arthritic fingers.. bless you.

[knittykatstudio]

Melanie, your right! Never give up! I'm self-taught in everything I've ever wanted to learn. Knitting, drawing, painting, writing, jewelry-making, embroidery, sewing, quilting and now crochet. I've got way to many interests...lol! But, there are lot's of awesome videos just like yours that help people learn. Thanks : )

[THEPinkRuby]

I *completely* agree that you should not keep ripping stuff out. I fell into that trap and its really self defeating. Excellent video!!!

[ripulikone]

I've knitted since I was 10 years old (so for 9 years), but I started crocheting today. Your positive attitude and spirit is SO inspiring and helpful, thank you for bringing more joy into this world and into mine :)

[stacidelfin]

I don't frequently comment on videos but just had to today. I've loved following these videos and was devastated to hear the news of Melanie passing. Her videos have been some of my favorites. For the last several weeks I've been working a popcorn stitch granny square baby blanket. I still consider myself a beginner so this was a big project. I have been so overwhelmed by it and frustrated to the point that I have been dragging my feet to finish. I finally felt like it was done and gave it a gentle wash and dry (from another Melanie video suggestion). It washed beautifully until I realized I didn't properly sew in one of my ends and a HUGE hole and more unraveled ends popped up. My heart sank and I was about to scrap the whole thing but turned to YouTube for help. This video played after one I was watching and it made me pause and really listen... I cannot thank Melanie enough for what she said in this video it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I am currently patching my blanket with some of it's loving imperfections (cause that's ok!) so I can mail it off to it's new home with a beautiful happy baby boy ❤️

[jimbello]

Hi, I'm deaf and i very much depend on closed captioning. Lots of videos have cc but not this one. Could cc be used all of the time please? I rely on it. Thank you! :) Michelle Bello

[mindybragg]

I worked full time my entire life. And full time mom. My kids are grown and my company is shut down due to COVID. I started Crocheting because I due not know what to with myself. Anyway I have been very discouraged. I have completed one blanket in full. I started over several times but would not give up. I’m on my second one which has had some challenges but have listened to all of your tricks. Most of all I love the fact that you said not to get discouraged and know that this happens to a lot of people. I was very close to quoting and thinking that I just could not do it. But you gave me the new confidence and encouragement that I needed so I appreciate that. So thank you very much!

[smallfootprint]

Just wanted to go back and see some of the old videos. We're going to miss you, Miss Melanie. You contributed so much to our creative lives. So good to see the little ones at the end of this video. All the best to your family.

[rosemaryvalenzuela]

Hey I’m 13 and I’ve been crocheting an knitting for 3 years and I love it I’ve made tons of sweaters and blankets and I love to crochet and I used to have all of these problems

[perkngirly]

TIP: When I first started I used a hook size up for my foundation chain. Now I don’t need to but it really helped me not have a tight foundation chain.

[jamiec]

THANK YOU! I watched my Grandmother and Great Grandmother Crochet when I was little but they both passed when I was still a youngster and I never got to sit and learn from them. So, YOU are my Fill in Crochetma! I appreciate all of your tutorials and that you take your time to INSPIRE and MOTIVATE all of us to keep going and not give up! THANK YOU For your amazing personality and sharing your GIFT with US! :D

[alwaysamber]

I am just beginning to make my way through your videos. I know you have passed away now but I'm still so grateful that you chose to share your passion even though it was scary at first. Love and compassion never pass away. It just keeps on giving and growing. You were a true blessing to many and now I'm sure you are the one reaping the blessings in your fathers house <3

[christiemcqueen]

Great video. My mother was so awesome at all things crafty but had very little patience. I have always wanted to crochet, quilt, and sew. Recently my Aunt Deborah taught me how to single crochet . Every day I worked on the stitch until I finally felt ready for a project. I made my huband a blanket. A lot of mistakes but he said that the mistakes gave it character and would inspire me to do better. He was right I have learned a lot from videos like yours. Thank you so much. There is something so special about seeing your grandchild playing on top of a blanket that you have made. I plan to try and make the basket as a shower gift for my daughter. Your video's are amazing.

[vincentscotto]

Thank you Melanie for the video on common crochet mistakes. I was getting so frustrated trying to make my granddaughter a slouchy beanie. I experienced everything you mentioned in the video and was going to give up. After hearing your pep talk I decided to give it another try. You would make an awesome motivational speaker. Thank you very much for making me believe in myself.

[midnightbeastlover]

I've been crocheting since I was 12. I'm 24 now and I'm just now learning to branch out from making blankets. This video helped me realize mistakes I've been making that I wasnt even aware of. Thank you. (I know it's an older video and you probably wont see this but still)